| Asa Betham | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1838 New York |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/branch | United States Navy Union Navy |
| Rank | Coxswain |
| Unit | USS Pontoosuc (1864) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War • Second Battle of Fort Fisher |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Asa Betham (1838 – unknown) was a sailor in the U.S. Navy during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Second Battle of Fort Fisher on January 15, 1865.
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Betham volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the Union side-wheel gunboat USS Pontoosuc (1864). His enlistment is credited to the state of New York.
On January 15, 1865, the North Carolina Confederate stronghold of Fort Fisher was taken by a combined Union storming party of sailors, marines, and soldiers under the command of Admiral David Dixon Porter and General Alfred Terry. Betham was a member of the naval storming party.
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Coxswain Asa Betham, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Pontoosuc during the capture of Fort Fisher and Wilmington, North Carolina, 24 December 1864, to 22 January 1865. Carrying out his duties faithfully during this period, Coxswain Betham was recommended for gallantry and skill and for his cool courage while under the fire of the enemy throughout these various actions.
General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 59 (June 22, 1865)
Action Date: January 15, 1865
Service: Navy
Rank: Coxswain
Division: U.S.S. Pontoosuc